We all know the feeling: you're ready to leave your current job and you want to apply for a new profession or job. Often, we get comfortable (a.k.a. lazy) in our current positions and don’t think about what might be next for us on the ladder of success.
​​But you never know when your dream job will come along—or when you might lose the one you have. ​

Here are five reasons why you should be always be seeking out new opportunities and laying the groundwork for your next career move:

Loyalty doesn’t pay. In fact, staying at a company too long can work against you. While you may feel that your employer values your loyalty, when push comes to shove, if they need to make cuts or new leadership comes in above you, there’s no guarantee that your job won’t be eliminated.

Things can change quickly. There are any number of reasons why you could be put in a difficult or precarious position and, suddenly, your previously secure gig could be on the chopping block.

It keeps you top of mind. You should always be entertaining other options - update your LinkedIn profile on a regular basis, expand your network and stay in touch with recruiters in your industry so they know to reach out to you when an even better job becomes available.

Every conversation is worthwhile. So, say you do get approached about a job opportunity and you don’t think it’s the right fit or the right time. Go on the interview anyway.

It’ll help clarify what you want—and don’t want. Pay attention to the signs.

The upshot: You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting out there and going on interviews. At a minimum, it’ll expose you to new companies, businesses and people—which could help you at your current company.